615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys

Carmela has been most famous recently as the name of Tony Soprano's TV wife, played by Edie Falco. The spellings Carmela and Carmella are both used in Latin cultures including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and are used nearly equally in the US, given to a total of about 300 baby girls last year.

Alfredo, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Alfred, is most familiar as the romantic lead in Verdi's evergreen opera La Traviata. On a less romantic note, Alfredo is also the name of a pasta sauce.

Annabella is one of a constellation of names that include Anabella, Annabelle, Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, and Annabell -- all lovely names that have suffered from their association with the eponymous horror movie. Annabella fell off the US Top 1000 in 2021, and ironically, the only version of the name that hangs on in the Top 1000 is Annabelle, the spelling used in the movie.

Fiery sound and uplifting meaning, but it's also among the Top 100 dog names. Spelled Fiyero, it's the hero of the book and musical "Wicked."

Fernanda is very popular in the Latino community, with a lot more charm than its male counterpart. The standard nickname is Nanda, and variations include Ferdinanda and Fernandina.

Like Galilea and Livia, one of the Italian names that fashionable American parents—with or without Italian roots—have started to choose for their daughters. It has endured ups and downs since entering the popularity charts in 1991.

The name of the great Renaissance astronomer and mathematician would make a distinctive hero-middle-name for the son of parents involved in those fields.

Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.

Armando takes the flat-footed Herman and makes it romantic. This is another of the Latin names we expect to be seeing more of.

Has a lot more charm than the ancient Hector.

Giacomo is a primo member of the Giovanni-Gino-Giancarlo-Giacomo gruppo of Italian names that are beginning to be adopted by American parents. Singer/creative baby namer Sting chose it for his son.

Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.

Damiano is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek 'Damianos,' ultimately stemming from 'damao' meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' With classical roots, it's the Italian form of Damian, a name associated with Saint Damian, a physician who, with his twin brother Cosmas, became the patron saint of doctors. Popular throughout Italy and gaining recognition internationally, Damiano carries a strong, sophisticated European sensibility. The name experienced modest usage in the United States among Italian-American communities and has seen occasional spikes in interest with Italian cultural influences. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation and distinctive ending, Damiano offers a more elaborate alternative to the simpler Damian. The name suggests strength, refinement, and cultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.

This is an outside possibility for opera-lovers, with the additional eco/color factor.

Possibility for a dark-haired babe.

The iconic rock group Duran Duran named themselves after the villain of the classic sci-fi movie "Barbarella," Dr. Durand Durand. One bit of free advice: if your last name is Duran, don't name your son Duran.

Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....

Fiammetta, from the Italian word for flame, has both femininity and fire. Fiammetta could make a good alternative to more conventional Italian girls' names like Giovanna.

Amadea is a strong and musical feminine form of Amadeus, as in Mozart.

Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.